Cardiovascular Disease Care Beyond the Cardiologist: An Overview of the Rollout of Transthoracic Echocardiography Training and Services in Kenya.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet access to echocardiography remains limited due to workforce shortages. The Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), launched a 16-week transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) training program to address this gap. This blended learning initiative trains non-cardiologist healthcare workers through online modules, hands-on workshops, and expert mentorship. Since 2022, the program has trained 95 participants, enhancing diagnostic capacity and expanding echocardiography services to underserved areas. Early outcomes include reduced patient travel distances, improved early detection of cardiac conditions, and strengthened CVD management at secondary and tertiary levels. Challenges such as limited equipment access and financial constraints persist, but strategic partnerships and innovative training models demonstrate the program's potential for scalability. The KCS-ACC-TTE program highlights the effectiveness of task-sharing and collaboration in strengthening cardiovascular care, offering a replicable framework for LMICs to improve access to essential cardiac diagnostics.